Many people are uncertain about the procedure to become an airline pilot. Here we list the normal stages people follow in their progress to their career as an airline pilot.

1. Pass a medical to ensure you meet the medical requirements.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need perfect health, and you do not need perfect eyesight to become a Commercial Pilot. As long as your eyesight can be corrected to near normal then you can hold the Commercial Pilot licence.
Full details about passing your medical are available here.

2. Undertake a training course to obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence - which allows you to be paid for your flying.
This course will take you about 12 months to complete.

Ful details of courses that are available can be found here.

3. Obtain employment to build your flying experience.
Most airlines require you to have around 500 hours experience before they can employ you. You will therefore need to work initially as a flying instructor, a charter pilot, or maybe flying freight.
You will need to allow 12-24 months of work after completing your course to be qualified for employment in an airline.

Your career then begins...